FOCUS 2021 - 2022 Stepping Into a New Career

FOCUS MAGAZINE |

PHOENIX COLLEGE | 2021-2022

STEPPING INTO A NEW CAREER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01

Letter From the President

02

PC News

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Behind the Glass: PC’s State-of-the-Art Recording Studio Unveiled

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Stepping Into a New Career: Mentor Program Matches Student with AZ Supreme Court Justice

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Putting the Pieces Together: Uncovering Your Passion Brick by Brick

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Creating A Lasting Legacy: Establish an Enduring Tribute at the PC Campus

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09 16

Digital Divide Solutions: Connecting Families to Teaching & Learning

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Becoming Bumstead: The Origin Story of PC’s Mascot

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12 20

Blending Modern Standards: Renovation of PC’s Iconic Liberal Arts - A Building

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Letter From the President

DEAR BEARS and Friends of PC, It is my pleasure to serve as the Interim President of Phoenix College. Assuming the presidency in the middle of a global pandemic has been an overwhelming undertaking. However, I have been heartened by the dedication and

of you as loyal alumni and friends of the college.

Your support has allowed the work of the college to continue without interruption. Our faculty and

adapted to meet every new challenge presented to them over the past year and a half. While 2021 has been full of challenges, there have also been many successes, which you will see highlighted in the pages of this issue.

One exciting update is the completion of our new Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. Our Strategic Planning Committee, led by trichairs, Anil Kappor, Maria Reyes and Eugene Ye, worked diligently with a consultant from Improvement Assurance

voice of all stakeholders. Engagement in the development of the plan was impressive with more than 500 individual contributions and 16 listening sessions conducted. We asked our

partners to make their voices known and they did-loud and clear.

Equity emerged as a critically important priority and as a result, the new strategic plan highlights its importance and challenges us to apply an equity lens to everything we do at PC. Equity is not a new theme for PC. It is our original mission.

More than 101 years ago, the founders of PC revolutionized higher education in our city by putting an emphasis on access for all. Today we have an opportunity to go beyond that original mission that opened the doors to all learners and revolutionize modern education by focusing

students accomplish their goals.

In the pages ahead, you will read about the stories of amazing members of our PC community. From generous friends of the college, accomplished alumni, and even the incredible origin story of beloved Bumstead the Bear. All of these stories weave together to make PC the proud institution it is today. These stories are the cornerstone of our college. In the year ahead, I look forward to introducing new opportunities for all of you to share your stories.

I also look forward to the opportunity to reconvene safely together in person. As we continue our phased return to campus, we continue to evaluate the safety and wellbeing of our campus community. Protecting the members of our community is our ultimate priority and we continue to weigh that along with the complex needs of our students.

! community is strong and together we will persevere.

Together, we will ensure the ongoing strategic success of Phoenix College. Thank you for everything you do to make PC an amazing place to be!

Aloha,

Clyne G. H. Namuo, Ph.D. Interim President Phoenix College PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU/FOCUS

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PC NEWS

Head Softball Coach Heinz Mueller inducted into National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc.

Hall of Fame Heinz Mueller is one of the most accomplished coaches in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and the winningest coach in Phoenix College history. A nine-time NJCAA National Championship Coach of Year, Mueller has guided PC to nine NJCAA Division II national titles, over the past 22 seasons, including the 2021 team, which was the number one team in NJCAA DII, winning 42 games.

PC Athletic Teams Have Historic Season The 2020-21 season was a historic year for multiple PC athletic teams. In May, the Phoenix College softball team brought home their 9th national title under Coach Heinz Mueller, in a 3-2 game against Jones Community College.

PC was undefeated with a 5-win, 0-loss at the tournament, ending their season with a 42-game winning streak and a cumulative team GPA of 3.25. “How sweet is that!” said Coach Heinz. The softball team started the season ranked number one and ended the season number one.

Additionally, many players received outstanding awards; #

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seven players were awarded ACCAC All-Conference, AllRegion, and three players made All-Tournament Most )

* + 7 In June, PC’s women’s soccer team ended the 2020-21 season with the National Championship trophy in their hands, and were ACCAC Conference Champions, NJCAA Region I/West District Champions, ranked number one the entire season. “With the crazy year that students lived through, they stuck to the task, adapted and found ways time and time again to continue to be successful,” said women’s soccer coach Chris Sagar. Team captain Kiana Miyazato was ACCAC Player of the Year, and Coach Sagar was the recipient of the ACCAC/NJCAA Region I Coach of the Year and NJCAA DII Coach of the Year.

Read the full story @ phoenixcollege.edu/FOCUS

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PHOENIX COLLEGE | FOCUS MAGAZINE

Phoenix College Prep Academy (PCPA) principal Keith Brown

! " Vie, Petra Abril, and Sophia Graves, with PCPA class of 2021 graduates.

PC Prep Academy – “A” Rated School for Fifth Year While the Arizona Department of Education did not issue letter grades for the 2020-21 school year due to Covid-19, PCPA would have been recognized as an “A”- rated school for the 5th year in a row with a score of 96%.

PCPA received 100% of the eligible points on the Arizona State report card for graduation rates, college and career readiness, and English Language Learning (ELL) growth. The graduating class of 2021 earned $3.5 million dollars in grants and scholarships, and 53 graduates earned more than 2,300 college credits, with nearly 50% earning their associate degree from Phoenix College before graduating high school.

Diversity is a hallmark at Phoenix College Preparatory Academy. The PCPA student population is comprised of 76% Latinx, refugees,

@ # language. PCPA also serves a vast community of

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PCPA 2020-21 Academic Year Metrics • 26 seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher • 44 students with 60+ college credits • 26 graduates earned their associate of arts degrees, • 8 students earned an associate of arts and an associate of science degree • 28 seniors took Phoenix College honors courses • PCPA seniors earned 2,335 college credits • Graduates earned more than $3.53 million in scholarships and grants Phoenix College Prep Academy (PCPA) 2021 graduates

To learn more, visit the PCPA website at

(left to right) Stephanie Rodriguez and Marianna Ruelas.

phoenixcollege.edu/pc-prep.

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Phoenix College (PC) student Magdaleno Perez and PC faculty member Cody Wilson with their poems, which were aboard SpaceX’s Inspiration4 civilian space capsule.

PC Student and Facul ty Member Poems Take Flight Aboard Inspiration4 Phoenix College (PC) student Magdaleno Perez’s poem “Inspiration”, asks us to “Dream big ... people of the world,” and PC faculty member Cody Wilson’s poem asks us to consider the “Dust of Us”. Both were among the creative works carried into space by civilian astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor, a faculty member at South Mountain Community College.

Perez, who is recareering after working in corrections and security, is majoring in social work. His passion for writing blossomed after taking classes with PC faculty members Amy Silverman and Cody Wilson. His poem was selected among more than 275 submissions from across the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), and was read in space

by Dr. Proctor as part of the prosperity seat on the civilian space mission.

“All of my instructors at Phoenix College have been great, but I have especially enjoyed the creative writing classes,’’ said Perez. He added, “I like to learn about social issues and incorporate them as themes in my poems.”

Perez says he is thrilled that his poem is among the creative works aboard Inspiration4, and that Dr. Proctor’s achievements inspire him.

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Perez, who loves online learning, started taking classes at PC during the spring of 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was 7 Q # @ ' V

enrolled in Cody Wilson’s creative writing class. With just three courses remaining, Perez will graduate in December with an Associate of Arts Degree, and plans to transfer to a university to complete his Bachelor’s degree.

Until Wilson and Perez came together to pose for this story’s photos, the two had never met in person. They now share a unique bond, and place in U.S. history, alongside Dr. Proctor and the Inspiration4 civilian mission.

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To learn more, visit https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/degrees ' + # 3 $5

BEHIND THE GLASS

PC’S STATEOF-THE-ART RECORDING STUDIO UNVEILED

At night, when most Phoenix College students have departed campus for the day, the Audio Production Studio comes to life. Student audio engineers collaborate in the control room, mixing vocal tracks, Z

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live artists and bands in two recording studios.

In Fall 2021, Phoenix College unveiled its newest gem in the well-respected arts curriculum arsenal – a state-of-the-art recording facility and digital audio lab.

Heading the studio is noted sound engineer, Jamison Weddle, Coordinator of the Music Industries Studies Program. He has built an amazing team including adjunct professor and owner of Full Well Studio, Mike Bolenbach. The professors rounding out the stellar program are Patrick Driscoll (Live Sound), Matthew Kirkpatrick (Music Business), and Karl Schindler (Electronic Music & Sound Design).

The creation of the studio is several years in the making and was a labor of love. The faculty spent hours researching the best equipment and planning

from scratch.

“Finally opening the studio is a dream come true. Today’s students are receiving the industry-standard studio experience, which is

6 - 7 month period. The ceramic tiles were cast from a mold created by Karl Schindler (Department Chair, Fine & Performing Arts) and glazed in the PC ceramic studio. PC

wall according to Schindler’s direction.

preparing them for what they will encounter "

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From left to right (back row): Karl Schindler (Electronic Music & Sound Design) and Patrick Driscoll (Live Sound) From left to right (front row): Matthew Kirkpatrick (Music Business), Mike Bolenbach (owner of Full Well Studio & 9 ;

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Not only is the studio on par with some of the best in the )

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Jamison holds many impressive music credits to his name. His experience includes engineering platinum-selling albums for DMX, Kenny Rogers, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Mike Bohlenbach owns his own studio in Phoenix (Full Well) and works with well-respected artists such as Alice Cooper.

“PC encourages the faculty to continue our professional careers outside of Phoenix College.

They want to know we are engaged and staying relevant in our careers. This creates the best outcome for the students. They know they are in $ " 56 7 ! *

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Jamison has worked with well-known musicians and entertainers including Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Willie Nelson, Joe Pesci, Neil Diamond, and David Crosby & Graham Nash. He still collaborates with former E Street Band virtuoso rock guitarist, Nils Lofgren, and helped Lofgren produce several award-winning records.

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with for over 20 years on a wide range of musical ; 9 $ 5 ! " engineered and assisted me in musical projects with Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Paul “Jamie taught me studio production and audio production techniques in 2001. In addition to constantly offering support and friendship since taking his classes, he also prepared me to assume the position of production director at KKFR-

Rodgers, to name a few. A musician himself, he brings those sensibilities and communication skills to the recording process that remain invaluable to me, in addition to staying on the cutting edge of

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FM Power 92.3 (now known as Power 98.3). I was responsible for creating (recording, mixing, and editing) all of the radio commercials, imaging, and every other sound heard on the station that wasn’t a live jock talking or music.

At present I produce (record mix and edit) a national program called Civic Cipher.

The Music Industry Studies Program at Phoenix College

a career in the musical arts, including Audio Production Technologies and Music Business. For those students who

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Business, Electronic Music, and Audio Production.

On this particular evening, audio production student and musician, Alexander Danieli, is laying down vocal tracks for his latest album in Studio A.

His teachings have also helped me in my DJ career, designing and building my

“I’m studying to receive an AA in Audio

studio, and in the few instances where

Production Technologies. I already hold a

I’ve had to run live sound at a nightclub

Bachelor’s degree (I’m back in school so that I can

that I own called Monarch Theatre in

gain the skills I need to switch industries from

downtown Phoenix.”

my career in marketing), so after I complete this – Ramses Ja ‘01

program, my plan is to complete a Master’s in Audio Production. My ultimate goal is to become a professional mixing engineer not only for my own work, but for other artists I admire. I’d also eventually like to open a recording studio.

Professor Weddle (and the entire program) have been so incredibly supportive of my studies.” – Alexander Danieli

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“Jamison noticed something in me. He could see I was taking his program seriously so he asked me to assist him with his own projects. I became an intern/runner in his studio while he was working with DMX which was my first real gig. I later spent five years as Director of A&R with Disney and now run my own entertainment group, collaborating on such tv & film projects as Tom & Jerry, Space Jam, and the HBO original series – Insecure.” – Brandon Caddell ‘03 (BNC Entertainment Group)

In Studio B, Andy Carrasco Felix is layering sound for his project, taking advice from Jamison, the industry expert.

“He’s so laid back. I show him how I want my music to sound and he knows just what to do” – Andy Carrasco Felix Although the studio is new in 2021, the audio production program at Phoenix College has been shaping young musicians for two decades. Students who graduate from the PC Audio Production Program go on to work with industry giants.

Learn More Learn more by taking a 3-D tour of the Audio Production Studio at Phoenix College. https://tours.phoenixcollege.edu/AudioProduction

Do you have a passion for music * 1

into the music industry? Check out the degrees at 9 ; # < = # 1 you: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/degrees < > @ @

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Are you a local artist?

If you would like to submit your band for consideration of a free recording in the studio, contact

E H % weddle@phoenixcollege.edu.

STEPPING

INTO A

NEW CAREER

Angelica opened her own salon after being a hairstylist for many years. Then she expanded her business, going directly to clients’ homes to cut, color, and style their hair. But, when the pandemic hit in 2020, her business and livelihood came to an abrupt halt. Angelica is the only member of her family to graduate from high school, and she went on to obtain a cosmetology license, and was proud to be an entrepreneur.

But, then everything changed, and she worried about how to provide for herself and her two young sons - while living with her mother - who is immune compromised. Angelica connected with a friend who recently went back to school, so she asked lots of questions and thought about how she might do the same thing; re-career to something more stable and sustainable. Angelica remembered being passionate about the law when she was in high school, and looking into legal careers.

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and something I would excel at,” Angelica said. !

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especially working as a paralegal, and she has lots of practice communicating with a wide variety of people having been a hairstylist.

In fall of 2019, Angelica enrolled in the Phoenix College paralegal program, and applied for scholarships. She was selected as a PC Alumni Association Bear Scholar, which includes a full tuition scholarship, and being matched with an alumni

mentor. Angelica’s mentor is Rebecca White Berch, PC class of 1974, who had a highly successful career as an attorney, judge, professor, and author. In March 2002, Berch became the third woman to be appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court and to serve as its Chief Justice.

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continues to be a frequent speaker on legal topics.

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Angelica and Rebecca established their mentoring relationship at the height of the pandemic, so they interacted only via virtual meetings and over the phone,

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Supreme Court building in October, 2021.

As the two talked in the courtroom, Angelica says she felt the enormity of the role her mentor held, and is excited to begin working as a paralegal. The two discussed legislation adopted in January 2021, which authorized a new Legal Paraprofessional Program, expanding the scope of work a licensed legal paraprofessional can do (similar to a nurse practitioner

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opinions, and recommendations about legal rights, remedies, defenses, or strategies, appear before a court, and negotiate on behalf of clients.

Angelica will graduate from Phoenix College in spring 2022, and is looking forward to working with clients. She hopes to one day open her own legal services business to provide reasonably priced legal support.

In her role as vice president of PC’s Women Rising Student Club, Angelica helps create a positive and supportive environment for female students, and works on projects to empower women. She recalls adopted

families during the holidays last year, when so many families were struggling. The students purchased gifts and donated food to the families, and she remembers feeling so grateful to help, when not so long ago, she and her family might have needed similar help.

Angelica is married now, and has a bright future ahead. She is eager to begin serving others, and thankful for the mentorship and #

_ V 7 “Investing time in my education, and one day hopefully opening my own business

Angelica says.

“Being a mother of two children and starting a new career in the paralegal field comes with its challenges. Knowing there are programs (like the Bear Scholarship Program) and people out there like Rebecca who are willing to help, pushes me to move forward in my education. I am inspired not only to succeed in life, but to also be a good role model to my children, showing them you are never too old to learn”.

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PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Uncovering Your Passions Brick by Brick James Kuykendall ’70 and Pat Cantelme ’70 stand outside the renovated Van Buren Theatre on bustling Van Buren Street in Central Phoenix during the middle of a sunny day in October. {

members busily set up for the evening’s performance. An enticing downhome country smell wafts from Gus’s Chicken Restaurant just down the street, while local business patrons check into the adjacent State 48 Brewery to enjoy lunch.

Like a puzzle that slowly comes together as each piece is put into place, the Welnick Brothers Marketplace began to take shape. Collaborating with historical architects, the careful renovation exposed historic brick, opened up and bolstered the original rafters, cleaned up the space, and restored it to its former glory. The building now houses Gus’s Chicken and the State 48 Brewery & Restaurant.

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One day while still in mid-renovation on the Welnick Building and with no tenants secured, Pat looked across the street to the dreary warehouse next door. “You know, that building has great potential. Someone’s going to buy it – let’s make sure it’s us!”

James and Pat, both 1970 Phoenix College graduates never having actually met on campus, became business partners later in life. It was in December 2014 that James and Pat, now commercial

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to renovate, the Welnick Brothers Marketplace. Currently a vacant building, it had originally housed an open-air grocery with various

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5 ; $ the old sheetrock the original windows were exposed. We then began working very closely with the historic preservation society, using the original blueprints, to uncover the unique beauty of the building.” – ! @

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That is how it came to be that in 2016, the two men decided to take on another project – a building that was originally built by Dud R Day as a Ford Motor Company

to the radio station waiting list. While in limbo, he enrolled in an Accounting 101 class. James heard the grumbles of his fellow students about the \

but couldn’t agree with this opinion; accounting seemed to come very easily to him and appealed to his sense of order.

Abandoning radio, James explored his new interest with vigor, taking additional accounting and business classes. In 1970, James graduated from Phoenix College and was granted admission to Arizona State University (ASU) where he completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

car dealership in 1930. After another successful renovation that exposed the original exterior of the building and the construction of a massive stage, it became home to the Van Buren Theatre, a popular music venue in Phoenix, and Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop.

Both buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic places and received the coveted Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award in 2017 (Welnick) and 2018 (Van Buren).

Not too shabby for someone who originally dropped out of high school!

For that was the beginning of James Kuykendall’s story. James left school but meaningful jobs were hard to come by for a high-school dropout, so at the age of 19, he took the GED exam and enrolled at Phoenix College in hopes to improve his outcome. Attending a fouryear university was well out of reach as

could qualify for admission, which he could not.

James was puzzled and explored his options at Phoenix College, taking

still not sure what direction to pursue.

One day he was talking with his nextdoor neighbor, Ducky Crandall, who ran the PC radio station. Ducky encouraged him to join the radio program.

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6 7 ! @ Because the radio program was run by the business department, James had to enroll in the business program to be considered. He registered to be a business student and added his name

“I started with the fire department right out of high school in 1968. I always assumed I would go to college so I enrolled at Phoenix College, taking liberal arts classes and eventually transferring to ASU. My psychology, philosophy, and political science professors had a great impact on my life.

I later went back to PC to take fire science and EMT courses to move up in the ranks in my career finally retiring as Captain of Phoenix Fire Station #1– right across the street from the Welnick.”

– Pat Cantelme ‘70

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graduation. James and his wife, who he met while at ASU, were starting a family so the steady fulltime salary was a blessing.

“The structure and organization of accounting appeals to me. I also like the puzzle and problemsolving aspect of accounting – putting the pieces together of a client’s business and rebuilding ' 56 7 ! @ He spent three years at Price Waterhouse, rising V '

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! ^ _ (V 7 “My two years at PC were critical in my development and education to allow me the opportunities that I have experienced, and I am

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56 7 ! @ Brick by brick, the restoration of the Welnick and the Van Buren interlocked the fates of PC alumni, Pat Cantelme and James Kuykendall. Though Pat always knew he wanted to be a Fire Fighter and

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building waiting to be revitalized, it’s not a matter of when passion is discovered, but that it is ultimately

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tuition and small class sizes, anyone can puzzle out their passion or build upon a successful career through continuing education courses.

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CREATING A LASTING LEGACY at Phoenix College

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Tribute or Memorial Bench with Engraved Plaque Commemorate a loved one with a memorial or tribute bench at the Phoenix College campus. Tribute benches are a wonderful way to honor someone you love. The cost to establish a memorial or tribute bench with an engraved plaque is $6,000. Your gift has the lasting impact of helping Phoenix College students achieve their dreams of a college education, with proceeds from tribute and memorial gifts going directly to PC student scholarships.

Bulpitt Auditorium Seat Plaque Naming a seat in Phoenix College’s Bulpitt Auditorium is a wonderful way to celebrate your appreciation of the impact PC has on students’ lives and our community.

Each named seat is acknowledged through a smart brass plaque bearing the name of your choice. The

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Auditorium, commemorating the named person’s love for Phoenix College. The cost to name a seat in Bulpitt Auditorium is $1,000.

Named Scholarship or Program Fund Leave a lasting legacy in your name, a family name, or in memory of an individual by establishing a named scholarship or program fund with a gift of $10,000 or more. You may pay this amount over a number of years, and can set the criteria by which the scholarship is awarded. For example, you may

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to students in a certain academic discipline.

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" The decision to sell some highly appreciated stock in order to fund a memorial donation was a good choice because I was able to lessen my end of the year tax burden at the same time."

- Judy Gage, PC alumna & donor PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU/FOCUS

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“It’s the silver lining from the pandemic,” said Laura Pastor, Phoenix city councilwoman, whose district includes many of the city’s digitally underserved neighborhoods. “Children will no longer

\ shops to access high-speed broadband to do their homework.”

“Paul Ross and I were called into (then ! & & 7 ^ 7 He gave us a simple charge,” said Pastor.

“He said, ‘Solve the digital divide.’” Ross, Phoenix College Associate Vice President and CIO, came up with the idea of using existing technology and applications to create a digital canopy over a school district connecting students to virtual classrooms, homework assignments and schools’ digital resources over an accessible, no-cost, wireless high-speed intranet.

DIGITAL DIVIDE SOLUTION Connects 250K Families Phoenix College (PC) is excited to announce a partnership with the Phoenix Digital Education Connection Canopy (PHX DECC) to help close the digital divide in Central Phoenix. PC is working in tandem with the City of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), the Phoenix Union School District, and others to deploy a digital solution to help students and families in the greater Phoenix area with their education and work needs. The Phoenix Digital Education Connection Canopy is a replicable network connecting students to schoolwork and virtual classrooms.

Phoenix councilwoman, Laura Pastor, had a lead role in bringing together the consortium to engineer and deploy the PHX DECC. In

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city and employed as the community liaison for Phoenix Community College, Pastor is also an elected member of the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board. She leveraged her connections pushing forward a digital divide solution.

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~ + again in 2017 in Washington, and I couldn’t get any traction on the idea of solving the digital divide with existing technology,” said Ross. “With the coming of the pandemic, this was no longer just something occurring in pockets; the ability to connect

7 The COVID-19 health emergency closed schools, libraries and community centers, sending students to learn from home.

Realizing that more than 250,000 families

Alhambra and Cartwright Elementary School Districts. Wireless infrastructure has been installed at seven school locations in a 4 square mile proof of concept area, with student devices commencing with Phoenix College Students in December. The project is preparing for up to 600 devices to be deployed across households in the new year within the service area.

Phoenix College (PC) student Anisha Wosti is part of a work-based experience cohort at PC’s IT Institute translating technical language into user-friendly manuals for the elementary and high schools accessing the Phoenix Digital Education Connection Canopy (PHX DECC), a project aiming to help solve internet accessibility issues for students and families in Central Phoenix.

did not have access or adequate internet speeds to go to school or complete

7 “I didn’t know how to solve the digital divide,” she said. “But I knew where to # 7 \

!'*@V ' as with the school districts in the college. If everybody contributed, we would have the know-how, the commitment and the money to make it happen.”

Once the challenge of ensuring access to classrooms and education resources was on the table, the walls between the city, education, business and the telecommunications industry disappeared.

“It is in the best interest of the city to make this a sustainable city at the

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your citizens.”

Mackay said that the telecommunications industry and business community were committed to a long-term solution for all our student’s educational opportunities. As America’s fastest-growing large city, Phoenix is a magnet for growing companies and a steadily increasing demand for workers.

“From an economic development standpoint, we couldn’t take a chance that we would have any gaps in our future workforce,” said Mackay. “We’ve really worked diligently across all sectors to create a place that makes Phoenix Arizona a great destination for high-wage technology-related businesses that we hadn’t seen before. They are really attracted to the workforce that we have.”

With seed money from the city of Phoenix, Ross tested the system, with PC students taking courses, doing schoolwork, and tapping into online resources. The micro-concept was a resounding success. The program went live in September in three school districts: Phoenix Union High School District,

“It is in the best interest of the city to make this a sustainable city at the end of the day, so you want to make sure that you have a level playing field for all of your families. That means they all have access to a quality education so that they can find good jobs. That’s really what you want for all of your citizens.”

- Christine Mackay, Director, Phoenix Community and Economic Development

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BECOMING BUMSTEAD The Legend of the Cub That Grew Up Too Fast Once upon a time, a black bear cub was born in a circus that was touring through Phoenix, Arizona in 1920. Old-timers say, a student from Phoenix Junior College (PJC) bought the cub for $25.00 and took it to the newest and only junior college in Phoenix, then in need of a mascot. The bear cub would have no rival. University of Arizona had no real “Wildcat,” Northern Arizona University had no real “Lumberjack,” and Arizona State University, thankfully, had no real “Lucifer.” PJC’s “Wonder Football Team,” quickly took on the name, “The Bears,” followed by all the other athletic teams coached by George “Dutch” Hoy who served Phoenix College for almost 40 years, (1929-1967).

The cub, cuddly and cute, yet frisky and

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named Hoy Stadium in honor of Coach Hoy, with an escort on each side holding onto heavy leashes fastened to a leather collar. He delighted the crowds with his vibrant spirit and playful ways. He was a living example of school spirit! He seemed to know when the going was rough and would stand up on his haunches and bellow, his way of cheering the team onto victory.

Mother Nature took its course and the next year, the cuddly cub was huge and the escorts could barely contain him. Stubbornly, PJC students held onto their live mascot, until the day he tore up an automobile, engine and all, during a parade. After that, PJC students

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and the bear was adopted by a small zoo in Apache Junction.

The rest of the story is one of changing faces, kidnappings, pranks and ultimately - destruction at the hands of vandals. The second bear was a plaster imitation borrowed from the Igloo Ice Cream Parlor across the street from Phoenix Union High School in 1925. In 1931, a student named Don Marques obtained a “Zerolene” bear used to advertise Zerolene Oil by the Standard Oil Company; 900 pounds of concrete and porcelain, to become the third version of the bear, a colossal polar bear substitute. In 1935, the bear was christened “Bumstead,” by Gertrude Mach, a PJC student. Now the bear had a name that would live on forever!

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Today, Bumstead, a tall, furry character, strolls around with a big smile, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the image of a roaring bear. Everyone is welcome to take a photo with him or have him sign an autograph.

Meanwhile, two smaller bears, a plaster bear and a metal bear, were also used. Both were subjected to many “kidnappings.”

In 1939 Bumstead, the colossal statute, was moved from 7th Street and Fillmore to the quadrangle at PJC’s permanent home on 15th Avenue and Thomas Road. There, he was tarred and feathered, painted in an array of colors, and stolen a few times.

Finally, in 1947, vandals decapitated the huge statue with a sledge

dynamite. It was the last straw!

Going forward, Bumstead took on a more animated form. PC experimented with many looks over the years, switching from black bear to polar bear, to fuzzy blonde bear and back again to black bear. In 2021, at the golden age of 100 years old, Bumstead’s latest fashionable makeover was revealed.

Although Bumstead has visually transformed over the years, many still believe that underneath the costume beats the heart of the black, cuddly cub that started it all.

[Story originally published in History of Phoenix College Book,

by Stella Pope Duarte. Edited to include the newest version of Bumstead]

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BLENDING MODERN STANDARDS with Historical Design

When Phoenix College moved to its current location at 15th '

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constructed was aptly named – Building A. The A Building was originally constructed with President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds during the Great Depression.

It stands as a testament to the marvelous architecture of the time; a mixture of Neo-Classical design with its rhythm of windows, straight lines, and pitched roof complimented only by the Art Deco style of

7 Though stately in appearance, the building was worn in areas and needed a facelift to meet the needs of current students.

Renovations on the historic A Building started earlier this year, and are now completed.

The 1930s building design has been preserved. The original red \

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honored during the re-design process. The A Building has also been

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While the outside of the building is reminiscent of earlier times, once inside, students will experience a modern meets classic feel.

The A Building was razed to the exterior red-brick, and the entire inside of the building has been fully renovated. Though the heating and cooling systems were updated in the 1960s, most of the plumbing and electrical infrastructure were original to the building.

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“I am excited because this is the first original building to be completely renovated and restored. It’s important for us to preserve the essence of what Phoenix College is and that certainly starts with the look and feel of the campus.”

Doug McCarthy, Phoenix College Operations Director

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( lecture classrooms to showcase the hand-built wooden trusses and original red brick. The now lofted ceilings allow more natural light to #

7 Another feature of the Art Deco style being preserved are the original concrete staircases.

original building to be completely renovated and restored. It’s important for us to preserve the essence of what Phoenix College is and that certainly starts with the look and feel of

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The building now features modern LED lighting, and all new plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems throughout. Students and faculty will enjoy a fully-modern experience, with high speed internet, technologically advanced teaching stations and screens. New adaptive collaboration spaces are designed to bring teaching and learning together.

Throughout its 82-year history, the A Building has served hundreds of thousands of students and faculty. In spring 2022, the A Building will once again welcome learners to the hallowed - and newly improved - halls.

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community are all invited to the Building A Grand Reopening ceremony February 24, 2022. Visit phoenixcollege.edu for more details and to RSVP for the event.

The once tunnel-like dark hallways have been redesigned to enhance the classical look and provide a bright, open feel. New vinyl tiles, with contrasting geometric shapes and a nod to design choices of the +}

a modern interpretation of the Art Deco period.

There are three architectural features inside the building that have been preserved. During demolition, the crew carefully uncovered the

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The mission of Focus Magazine is to engage alumni, friends, partners, supporters, neighbors, and the Phoenix College community.

Have feedback? Email us at development@phoenixcollege.edu.

Phoenix College and the Maricopa County Community Colleges are EEO/AA institutions. Learn more at maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

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Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Gifts to PC via MCCF are ; ; % 9

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; treatment of your contribution.

BECOMING BUMSTEAD The Legend of the Cub That Grew Up Too Fast

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